Colin Farrell Talks ‘Pride and Joy’ for Disabled Son

Colin Farrell sweetly spoke about his 9-year-old son James’ battle with Angelman Syndrome and the connection he still shares with James’ mom.

“We share in the smallest victories; the first words at age six or seven, being able to feed oneself at 19, and getting the seizures under control. When James took his first steps at age four, I nearly broke in half!”

Going public with James’ condition was a decision Farrell came to in an almost serendipitous way. “It was at the Special Olympics in Shanghai in 2007 that I decided, after consulting with James’ mother, that I wanted to talk publicly about the pride and joy I had in our son. He has enriched my life, but I don’t want to minimize the trials that so many families go through; the fear, consternation, frustration and pain.”

One place Farrell has been able to lean on for emotional support is the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST). As he explained, “When you’re the parent of a child with special needs, it’s important to feel that you’re not alone.”